Softball season comes down to final two games

The Columbia Falls softball team did well at the Butte Central tournament last week, finishing 3-1.

The Wildkats opened the May 16-17 tournament by beating Sidney 13-1 but losing to Lewistown 3-1. The next day, they beat Havre 9-1 and Billings Central 8-1.

On Monday, May 12, the Kats lost to Glacier High School, 2-1 in a squeaker away.

The girls are now 8-10-1 overall heading into the last week of the season, and it’s a crucial one at that. They have a 2-4 conference record, but still have a shot at the state playoffs.

There’s a couple of scenarios that would get them into the postseason. They could beat Libby and Frenchtown to get into the postseason for sure, or they could beat Libby by more than four runs and then hope Polson beats Libby later in the week. Even if the Kats lose to Frenchtown, they’d still make the postseason if they beat Libby by four runs because of run differential. Libby beat Columbia Falls 10-6 earlier this year.

Coach Dave Kehr prefers the direct route.

“It’s easier to beat both (Frenchtown and Libby),” Kehr said.

He noted the Kats played pretty well in Butte, and the wins helped give the team some momentum heading into the final week.